Tours and Activities > Monteverde > Santa Elena Cloud Forest Tour
Walk through the magical fairy tale tropical cloud forest on this Santa Elena Cloud Forest tour, with a knowledgeable guide to share the secrets within.
Duration
4 Hours
Transportation
Included
Certified
Tour Guide
Mytanfeet
Customer Service
Description
The Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve protects over 300 hectares (741 acres) of pure tropical cloud forest, bathed by a constant cloud cover of the Caribbean slope. With more than 90% humidity year round, the Santa Elena Reserve's biodiversity will astound any nature lover, especially those orchid lovers.
Sitting at around 1600 meters (5250 feet) in elevation, this reserve is perfect for those who want to experience the best of the tropical cloud forest and its climate, flora and fauna.
The Santa Elena Reserve tends to be less crowded than the Monteverde Reserve.
During this guided tour, your guide will lead you along one of the trails to a viewpoint of Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal on a clear day, while sharing information about the reserve, the cloud forest and pointing out various flora and fauna.
Starting $95 USD
per adult
Santa Elena Cloud Forest Tour Highlights
- Walk through several trails of the cloud forest to see unique flora like mosses, orchids, and ficus trees.
- Learn about the tropical cloud forest and it's importance.
- Immerse yourself in a cloud forest reserve that is not usually that crowded.
- Enjoy hearing stories and facts from a local naturalist guide.
What is Included?
Additional Information
- Confirmation will be given upon tour booking, which must be prepaid in full to book.
- Minimum 2 people to operate.
- Maximum group size of 9 people per guide.
- Two schedules: 7 AM and 1 PM.
What to Bring/Wear
- Comfortable walking clothes like long pants and a jacket.
- Good walking shoes. NO open shoes, sandals or flip flops. Waterproof preferable.
- Insulated water bottle. Plastic water bottles are not allowed in the reserve.
- Rain jacket.
This is the cloud forest so there are possibilities to rain at any time of the year. Please come prepared.
Booking Form
Our prices are quoted in USD and include all taxes and we never charge booking fees. What you see is exactly what you'll pay. While other websites might show lower initial prices, they often add taxes and fees at the end, Mytanfeet believes in transparent pricing from the start.
If you can't see the booking form below, please try refreshing the page or contact us for assistance.
Cancellation Policy
Read the cancellation policies here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Monteverde Cloud Forest and Santa Elena Cloud Forest?
They are both tropical cloud forest reserves, Santa Elena sits a bit higher in elevation.
Each reserve has different trails, the Santa Elena Reserve has several trails, with one trail leading to a view of Arenal Volcano on a clear day, a trail to a large strangler fig tree and others through the forest. There are no hanging bridges in the Santa Elena Reserve.
They are both private reserves, the Santa Elena Reserve is managed by the Santa Elena Public High school's administrative board.
How many people are in one group?
Max group size is 9 people per guide.
How long is the walk?
You will walk around 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) and your guide will be stopping along the way to point out fascinating flora and fauna. There is not much elevation nor steps, and the pace is slow. Trails are mostly dirt paths.
Will we see any animals?
Santa Elena Reserve is very big and incredibly dense, it is never a guarantee to see wildlife. But there are chances to see birds like the Resplendant Quetzal, hummingbirds and trogons and animals like coatis and monkeys.
The highlight of the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve is the flora, due to the constant cloud cover and humidity. It's the perfect tour for those who love orchids, ferns, mosses, bromeliads and trees.
What should I wear?
We recommend hiking clothes, like long hiking pants, a rain jacket, closed walking/hiking shoes. The reserve tends to be quite wet and may be windy, so we recommend to bring a rain jacket and a warm long sleeve shirt.
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